METTLESOME Synonyms: 123 Similar and Opposite Words

mettlesome

adjective

ˈme-tᵊl-səm

Definition of mettlesome

as in energetic

having much high-spirited energy and movement the mettlesome opening dance number got the audience all jazzed up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in spirited

marked by a lively display of strong feeling a mettlesome debate on the teaching of evolution in the schools

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of mettlesome He may have been provoked into battle by the ruler of Cebu, who was using Magellan’s troops to rid himself of a mettlesome chieftain known to raid the trade ships that navigated the waters in and around the islands. — Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mettlesome

Adjective

Both bands, originating from the Chicagoland area, delivered energetic sets to an enthusiastic crowd.

— Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
The gregarious and media-savvy Hilton has been waging an energetic and effervescent run for governor, with multiple appearances a day and frequent updates to his cheeky social media accounts.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of energetic

Adjective

Scenes like these played out every day during my month-long visit, showcasing a spirited and diverse community rather than one at risk of total desolation.

— Liz Provencher, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Her latest record, Confessions II, celebrated as her best album in 20 years and a spirited follow-up to 2005’s Confessions on a Dance Floor, was accompanied by a short film that led to this wealth of nominations.

— Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of spirited

Adjective

The critically and commercially adored animated series from creators Amber Noizumi and Michael Green will return for season 2 in January, according to a new teaser that sees the comeback of Mizu (Maya Erskine) on her travels in London.

— Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026
The animated family adventure should dig up about $20 million for Paramount through the weekend.

— Jack Dunn, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of animated

Adjective

Kusama, known for her fiery red wig, lived by choice in a Tokyo psychiatric hospital for decades.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
In humans and other animals the isothiocyanates stimulate sensory receptors in the mouth and nose, resulting in a peppery, pungent flavor that is often described as sharp rather than fiery.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of fiery

Adjective

The mop-haired actor plays Joey, a spunky boy onboard who bonds with Maddie over having absent parents in the military.

— Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
In many ways, this movie set the template for the modern action-comedy blockbuster, but few of its many imitators have come close to matching the spunky edginess and swooning romantic intrigue of the original trend-setter.

— Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of spunky

Adjective

To imagine the natural world not as a passive resource but as an animate collaborator would be to reorder more than aesthetic categories, demanding another relation to our environment.

— Tara Anne Dalbow, ARTnews.com, 29 May 2026
Zugunruhe is the itinerant desire of any animate being to keep moving and growing.

— Big Think, Big Think, 6 May 2026

Definition of animate

Adjective

Set physical activity goals and prioritize exercise, including both aerobic activities such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming, along with strength training.

— Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
Fredericson recommends simple, everyday activities such as brisk neighborhood walks, gardening, cycling, bodyweight exercises and even parking farther from the entrance at the grocery store.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of brisk

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mettle

mettlesome

mew

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“Mettlesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettlesome. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of mettlesome

adjective

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